Episode 2715: The Journey of Conversion and the Reality of Purgatory - Nightly Episode

“O my God, at the end of this day I thank You most heartily for all the graces I have received from You. I am sorry that I have not made better use of them. I am sorry for all the sins I have committed against You. Forgive me, O my God, and graciously protect me this night. Blessed Virgin Mary, my dear heavenly mother, take me under your protection. St. Joseph, my dear Guardian Angel, and all you saints of God, pray for me. Sweet Jesus, have pity on all poor sinners, and save them from hell. Have mercy on the suffering souls in purgatory. Amen.”
The Journey of Conversion and the Reality of Purgatory
Tonight’s episode, we focus on two essential aspects of our spiritual journey: the necessity of conversion and the reality of Purgatory.
We'll draw from the wisdom of St. John Vianney, the patron saint of parish priests, who reminds us of the sobering truth about Purgatory, and from Fr. Donald Haggerty, who speaks about the transformative power of conversion.

The Sobering Reality of Purgatory
St. John Vianney offers a stark reminder about the fate of many souls:
"It is definite that only a few chosen ones do not go to Purgatory, and the sufferings there that one must endure exceed our imagination."
This statement aligns with the Church's teaching on Purgatory as a place of purification for those who die in a state of grace but still need to be cleansed of venial sins or the temporal punishment due to sin. Scripture provides a foundation for this belief in 1 Corinthians 3:13-15:
"Each man's work shall be made manifest; for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire."
The reality of Purgatory serves as a call to holiness and an encouragement to pray for the souls of the faithful departed, offering sacrifices for their swift purification and entry into the beatific vision.
The Necessity of Conversion
On the path to holiness, conversion is indispensable. Fr. Donald Haggerty eloquently describes its significance:
"Conversion is the spark that allows a soul to catch fire with God. It strikes the flint and begins the early burning of a passion for God. It is the first leap of flame that can quickly become a fire lasting a lifetime."
Conversion, as Fr. Haggerty explains, is not a one-time event but a continuous journey of turning toward God. Each conversion deepens our relationship with Him and transforms our lives. As Christ calls in Mark 1:15: "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent, and believe in the gospel."
Fr. Haggerty continues:
"Conversions are necessary for deeper spirituality, as many saints can testify. It would seem that no one without an experience of a serious conversion will be taken to the more profound depths of a personal encounter with God or invited by grace into a contemplative life of prayer."
This echoes the journeys of saints like St. Augustine, whose dramatic conversion led him to become one of the Church’s greatest theologians, and St. Paul, whose encounter with Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him into a zealous apostle.
Living with the End in Mind
The combined teachings of St. John Vianney and Fr. Haggerty remind us that our spiritual journey requires both a profound conversion and an understanding of our ultimate destination. Purgatory is not a place we should aim for, but a reality that calls us to seek holiness now. Through ongoing conversion, we prepare our souls for eternal union with God, avoiding unnecessary purification after death.
Conclusion
Dear listeners, let us take to heart the wisdom of the saints and pursue a life of continual conversion, growing ever closer to God. By doing so, we can lessen our time in Purgatory and help others on their journey through our prayers and sacrifices. Conversion ignites the soul, and through it, we experience the profound love of God, drawing us deeper into the mystery of His grace.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of Your mercy and the call to conversion. Ignite within us a passion for holiness, and grant us the grace to turn from sin and seek Your face each day. Through the intercession of St. John Vianney, may we remember the reality of Purgatory and strive for purity of heart. Inspire us with the zeal of saints who have gone before us, and lead us to a deeper encounter with You in prayer.
We ask this through Christ our Lord. Amen.